Speaking of the Brazilian-born striker, Oscar Melendez - who co-owns Nine Fitness Gym with Torres - revealed Costa took to the sport seamlessly.

He told AS: "He was bitten by the bug. In the gym he was jokingly challenging the other clients. Boxing is really good as a complementary fitness regime. For footballers like Torres and Costa, big and strong, it helps with coordination, reflexes, and stability."

When asked how his first few visits were to the gym, Melendez added: "Diego is a brave lad. He wasn’t scared to try things or get hurt. He came in saying hello to everyone. It was said that he came in overweight and yes, he did have to lose a bit, but physically he’s an incredible specimen.

Diego Costa has scored twice since returning to Atletico Madrid from Chelsea

"And he was up for it. It’s just as competitive in the boxing ring as in football. He wanted to learn as quickly as possible, and he really took it to heart. He was hooked."

It comes as no surprise that Costa's favourite part of training was the physical side, Melendez said: "First of all we taught him to move his feet and his body, we did exercises with balls, and then the game of touching the opponent’s shoulder.

"And after that we gave him gloves to defend himself and throw punches, which was what he enjoyed most.

"Boxing is competitive, including when you’re working on the bag. But it teaches you that you can’t always go forward, you have to move back, relax, and know how and when to act. It’s going to help Diego Costa and it’s going to make him a better forward."